It’s always a real pleasure to be in Washington. There’s plenty to see and do, lots of new people to meet and a feeling from a political perspective that you’re right at the heart of the action.

And that’s true this week more than ever. The headlines are full of very mixed economic news along with the battle of wills on Capitol Hill as Washington tries once again to deal with the American budget deficit. If they don’t reach agreement on budget reductions in time to raise their ceiling on borrowing there is a risk the whole US Government will go into default. And whilst most people don’t think that will happen right now we’re certainly seeing more heat than light.

And the economic statistics don’t look good either. Figures for small firms in particular are at best flat and unemployment rates are edging up rather than down.  A double dip recession seems a long way off but right now it is stagnating at best.

So is that the reality? I don’t think so. I’m currently on a digital mission to Washington with ten other UK businesses. And what a whirlwind tour it’s been. We’re seeing a whole host of companies and government departments at all levels. And they tell a different story.

First, lets look at the fundamentals. Did you know that 20% of the world’s GDP – yes the World’s GDP – is located within a two hour flight radius of Washington. The city is well known as the centre of government in the US but its economic importance is often overlooked.

But it’s not just the numbers that have attracted my attention. I’m really fascinated by the amount of innovation going on in DC at the moment. We spent some time at Microsoft and Deloitte yesterday talking to people in their government innovation centres. They’re working on some great projects bringing together the best and the brightest as well as some serious amounts of money.

And the very best news for British companies is that they are open for business. So yes, there is some serious economic news out there. But the opportunity is more substantial – and it’s there for the taking.

Stephen Horn

CEO, WebsEdge

Twitter: @stephenjhorn or @WebsEdgeTV

Well it’s only a matter of hours now until the UK prime ministerial TV debates get under way. All the leaders are prepped and ready to go and the programmes – live on tv, radio and the internet will reach tens of millions of people throughout the world.

And it’s a first. Whilst common practice in America this has never been attempted before in the UK. It’s the first time a Prime Minister has given the opposition equal footing in this way. And though a lot of attention has been focused on the strict rules governing the event it is still generating great excitement.

But what will it achieve? Is this really just style over substance actually masking the policy differences between the two sides? It’s tempting to think so isn’t it. After all it’s what happens to the economy, not the rating figures that really matter.

But I’m not so sure. One trend that is inescapable is the ever-reducing engagement between politicians and their electorate. If people flocked to public meetings and  debate was alive across the dinner table then we wouldn’t need these events. But it isn’t. We’re ten days into the campaign and frankly nobody really seems to care.

So I’m really looking forward to them. I hope the energy the TV and the social networking bring will kick start these elections. And though they may not re-write the rules in the way the Obama campaign did they may at least make themselves relevant in the 21st century. That’s if they don’t fluff their lines!